Susan Ford

Principal / Attorney

Biography

Susan L. Ford is the founder of Res Nova Law, bringing over 25 years of experience to her clients. A former shareholder at one of Portland’s largest law firms, Susan created Res Nova Law to offer clients big-firm expertise with the personal attention they deserve. She focuses on estate planning, business formation and operations, contracts, intellectual property, and dispute resolution—always working to help clients avoid litigation when possible.

Admissions:
  • State Courts of Oregon
  • State Courts of Washington
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Education:
  • J.D. – Georgetown University Law Center
  • Ford Foundation Fellow in International Studies to the United Nations
  • M.S. in Foreign Service – Georgetown University
  • B.S. – Northwestern University
Civic & Professional Involvement:
  • Oregon Entrepreneurs Network – Service Provider Member (2016–Present)
  • Women Entrepreneurs Organization of Clark County (2022–Present)
  • Member, Oregon State Bar Estate Planning Section (2022–Present)
  • Past Chair, Oregon State Bar Business Litigation Executive Committee (2019–Present)
  • Leaders and Executives Across Professions (LEAP) (2018–2020)
  • Oregon Trial Advocacy College (2019)
  • Oregon State Bar House of Delegates (2016–2019)
  • Oregon Women Lawyers (1997–2019)
  • Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest, Go-To Girls (2013–2019)
  • Judicial Screening Committee, Multnomah Bar Association (2013–2016)
  • Board Member, Oregon Law Foundation (2009–2010)
  • Executive Committee Member, OSB IP & Technology Sections (1999–2010)
  • Fellow, Oregon State Bar Leadership College (2008)
  • Member, ABA IP Litigation, Trademark, and Copyright Committees (2008–2010)
  • Events Director, Women Entrepreneurs of Oregon (2012–2013)
  • Board Member, Contemporary Crafts Museum and Gallery (2005–2009)
  • Board Member, Bradley-Angle House (1997–1999)

Meet The Team

Meet our team of experienced attorneys, dedicated to providing expert legal solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Susan Ford
Principal / Attorney

Susan L. Ford is the founder of Res Nova Law, with over 25 years of experience working with individuals and businesses of all sizes. A former shareholder at one of Portland's large

Howard Russell
Of Counsel

Howard Russell has over 30 years of experience in patent and trademark prosecution, both at large law firms and as in-house counsel. Howard's practice is primarily focused on U.S.

Kathryn Pawlick
Of Counsel

Kathryn's practice is focused on assisting business owners with estate planning, entity formation, governance, contract review and drafting, mergers and acquisitions and other busi

Vanessa Cleric
Client Services Director

Vanessa is our Client Services Director and the first point of contact for many of our clients. She is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur

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Ready to Protect What Matters Most?

You’ve invested in your business. You care deeply about your family. Now it’s time to protect everything you’ve built.

At Res Nova Law, we make legal planning simple, empowering, and personal—whether you need help with Wills and Trusts, a seasoned business contract lawyer, or guidance on how to transition out of your business. Let our experienced team of attorneys give you the clarity and peace of mind you deserve.

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